A significant procurement initiative is underway to bolster Germany’s air defense capabilities. According to a draft document prepared for the German Bundestag’s budget committee and reported by “Politico”, the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) is set to acquire 20 new Eurofighter combat jets.
The order’s total value is estimated at €3.75 billion, encompassing the aircraft themselves, 52 engines and associated spare parts. The budget committee is expected to formally approve the acquisition this week. Deliveries are staggered, with the first aircraft anticipated in 2031 and the final five slated for delivery in 2034.
This represents the fifth tranche of Eurofighter procurement for Germany. While a commitment to purchase 20 aircraft was previously announced, Airbus had advocated for orders potentially extending up to 50 units to ensure continuous production in Germany. The government now appears to be proceeding with the initially announced quantity.
The acquisition serves as an interim measure to sustain air defense capacity until approximately 2040, when the German-French-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is slated for operational introduction. The development of the FCAS program currently faces uncertainties. The Bundeswehr currently operates a fleet of 138 Eurofighter jets, utilized among other roles for securing airspace along NATO’s eastern flank.
